February 13, 2013 (JUBA) – South Sudan on Wednesday launched plans for compulsory civil registration at childbirth, in an attempt to count and account for every South Sudanese citizen.<\/p>\n
The exercise was launched at a seminar in the South Sudan capital Juba, drawing attendees from different institutions, as well as representatives from various international organisations, including the United Nations and government ministries.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe government of South Sudan has placed great importance on the civil registration process and we are working in collaboration with the United Nations Children\u2019s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners to ensure that every South Sudanese citizen is counted and accounted for,\u201d said the undersecretary of the ministry of health, Dr Makur Maker.<\/p>\n
The civil registration process will be a continuous, permanent and compulsory recording of live births, deaths, foetal deaths, marriages, divorces, as well as annulments, judicial separations, adoptions, legitimation and recognitions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis event marks an important milestone since it is the first of its kind. Without civil registration, we cannot have meaningful data and this is a major concern because we cannot plan effectively for our citizens,\u201d said the deputy chairperson of South Sudan\u2019s National Bureau of Statistics, John Maciek Acuoth.<\/p>\n
Birth registration is an integral part of a civil registration system. According to UNICEF, only 35% of births are currently registered in South Sudan, with many children reportedly born outside health facilities where there is no provision for formal registration.<\/p>\n
\u201cBirth registration is a right of every child born in a country, whether citizen, refugee or otherwise. The \u2018invisibility\u2019 of non-registered children increases their vulnerability and the risk that violations of their rights will go unnoticed,\u201d said UNICEF\u2019s South Sudan representative, Yasmin Ali Haque.<\/p>\n
UNICEF maintains birth registration is instrumental in safeguarding other human rights because it provides the official \u2018proof\u2019 of a child\u2019s identity and legal existence.<\/p>\n
\u201cBirth registration gives a sense of belonging and ownership. It also gives every child an opportunity to enjoy services such as immunisation,\u201d said the deputy minister of health, Dr Yatta Lugor.<\/p>\n
The outcomes of this important event will provide a road map for the development and implementation of a civil registration system, he said.<\/p>\n